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Costa strikes late as Chelsea draw Man United

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Costa lifts Spain, Italy avoid shock in Macedonia

An injury time goal from Chelsea striker, Diego Costa, held Manchester United to a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon.

Louis van Gaal’s team settled into their rhythm quicker than their counterparts but neither side really threatened to break the deadlock throughout the opening exchanges.

Just as the half was coming to a close, the biggest talking point arose as John Terry fired a shot goal bound from inside the area which appeared to take a deflection off Daley Blind’s arm and away from De Gea’s net but referee Michael Oliver waved away the protests.

The second period got underway with United very much on top and Jesse Lingard tested Blues keeper, Thibaut Courtois’ palms which should have served as a warning sign for Guus Hiddink’s men.

Following a lengthy stoppage in play after Blues defender, Kurt Zouma had to be stretched off with an apparent ankle injury, the deadlock was finally broken.

Lingard, who had earlier threatened, took one touch and turned to shoot home from inside the Chelsea area and his effort found the top right corner of the net in an emphatic fashion to send the travelling fans wild.

The Red Devils continued to press but it was Branislav Ivanovic who came closest to adding to the scoreline with a thunderous volley from inside the United box but De Gea matched his strike with a strong one handed save.

Cesc Fabregas then burst into the visitors box and unleashed a drive which was once again blocked by the Spaniard as the Blues pushed on in search of an equalizer.

The leveller, though, finally came in the first minute of stoppage time as Costa was given the freedom of the United box to slot past De Gea at the second time of asking.

The Spaniard almost grabbed an unlikely win for the hosts in stoppage time as he turned to unleash a low shot goalward but De Gea was equal to it to preserve a point for United as the game finished 1-1 in west London.

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